A Player’s Passion Project
Ethan Edwards, a defenseman for the Utica Comets, has created Natural Athlete Co., a bi‑weekly newsletter devoted to athlete wellness, recovery and nutrition. The project emerged from a personal encounter with a natural anti‑inflammatory supplement that prompted Edwards to dive deep into recovery science.
Edwards, who holds a sports management degree from the University of Michigan, approaches the newsletter as a self‑directed learning experiment. He is clear that he is not a scientist or nutritionist, but rather an athlete who wants to share findings that have helped him improve his own health.
Operating independently of any team structure, Natural Athlete Co. relies solely on Edwards’ research and writing. The newsletter’s tone is practical and athlete‑centered, offering actionable tips rather than academic theory.
During the AHL season, Edwards exploits the natural lulls between games to conduct research, draft articles and edit the newsletter. This off‑ice time becomes a laboratory where he tests recovery methods and translates results into concise, usable advice for his readers.
The initiative reflects a broader commitment to athlete well‑being, aiming to improve personal health while offering valuable insights to fellow competitors. By blending personal curiosity with real‑world application, Edwards’ project illustrates how modern athletes are carving out new spaces for knowledge sharing beyond the rink.